De Villiers praises Davis’ decision to call dead ball – Cricket News Update
South African wicketkeeper AB de Villiers has praised Umpire Steve Davis for having made the controversial decision to call dead ball on a delivery by England pacer Steven Finn during the ongoing Test at Headingley, and for having had the nerve to stick to his call despite the ensuing pressure.
"It's part of the rules, and I think the umpire did very well," he said. "There were a couple of warnings that went out, and he was consistent after that first call - which is what any cricketer asks for.
"Unfortunately, there was a wicket on the first one he called - which made it interesting. But he stuck to his guns, under pressure."
England pacer Steven Finn disturbed the non-striker’s stumps thrice with his right knee during his delivery stride, in the early overs of his team’s second ongoing Test match against South Africa, with openers Graeme Smith and Alviro Petersen at the crease. Finn was issued a warning by Australian Umpire Steve Davis, who said the action disturbed the Proteas batsmen.
The fourth time Finn dislodged the bails with his knee in the 12th over, Davis called dead ball. The delivery, played by Smith, saw the Proteas skipper edging the delivery to his English counterpart Andrew Strauss at first slip – however, following Davis’ call, Smith (then on 6) was granted a lifeline.
Davis cited Law 23.4(b)(vi), which declares that the umpire should signal dead ball when the batsman on strike is distracted as he is preparing to receive, or in the process of playing a delivery. Following the incident, Davis consistently called dead ball every time Finn collided with the non-striker’s stumps.
England pacer James Anderson dubbed the umpire’s sudden decision "perplexing", claiming that while Davis had cautioned Finn, he had not clarified that it would be called dead ball. De Villiers, however, maintained that the umpire had given an adequate warning, after the South African batsmen had complained to him.
"Graeme and Alviro made the point between balls," he said. "Steve said there was going to be a warning. He could easily have turned it down and say it won't be a dead ball."
Meanwhile, Smith went on to score 52, and established a 120-run partnership with Peterson (124*), and the Proteas finished at 262 for 5 by the end of Day 1.
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